This study investigated natural ecological recovery in parts of Western and Southwestern blocks of theMauForestcomplex that had experienced varied levels of disturbance. The extent and speed of regeneration in the disturbed regions since the eviction of the setter population were not known. This study thus now provides current baseline data on plant distribution, germination of soil bank seeds, and soil nutrient content. The number of tree species recorded at different levels of disturbance were in increas- ing order: moderately disturbed (MDF) > undisturbed (UDF) > heavy disturbed forest (HDF). Forest clearing reduced forest basal area and forest stocking of big trees (dbh ≥40 cm) in the HDF by more than 4 and 6 times, respectively, than those in UDF. Tree importance values indicated a reduction in commercially valuable species in HDF. Early colonizers and fire tolerant species were predominant in the HDF whereas non-commercial species dominated MDF. Viable soil seed reserves decreased with soil depth in all forests but content between 0 -20 cmsoil depth showed a potential to support regeneration. Total N, organic C and available P decreased with increase in forest disturbance. Overall, the disturbed sites showed a general potential for ecological recovery and natural regeneration to UDF status.
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